Daily
news - 31st October 2018

There has been a “profoundly concerning” rise in early deaths from accidents, suicide, alcohol misuse, smoking, cancer and drug addiction in the north of England, deepening the north-south divide, research has found | Guardian, UK

It takes just five minutes for anyone with a credit card to buy lethal drugs online, health watchdogs have warned, as they call for the public to take more care before buying prescription drugs from websites | Telegraph, UK

Cornwall Council made a host of significant failings when it accommodated a vulnerable 17 year-old boy in a tent and caravan over a summer, a Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman investigation has found | LGO, UK

This is an overview of the ICGP Substance Misuse Programme as it has developed with particular reference to the 20 years of the Methadone Treatment Protocol which came into effect October 1998 | ICGP, Ireland

A new study confirms the role of dopamine neurons in reinforcing the effects of heroin in mice, and could help to refine addiction treatment as well as the development of non-addictive painkillers | EurekAlert, Switzerland

The National Institutes of Health has ousted three employees who were involved in a highly questioned study of moderate alcohol use, and Director Francis S. Collins said he’s determined to prevent other bum studies from moving forward in the future | Washington Times, USA

E-cigarettes or “vapes” are known as the wildly popular “safe” alternative to cigarettes and tobacco products. Though many see them as harmless, little is known about the direct health effects of the products | The Hill, USA

People who are involved in religion have lower rates of substance use. Researchers attribute this association to religious teachings of morality, physical health, and respect to authority, as well as social support gained from attending religious services | BASIS, USA

Ahead of this year’s Autumn Budget, we called for a 1% increase in alcohol duties, ring-fenced to help address the crisis in alcohol treatment services. That 1% could have brought £100 million a year into essential services. We are disappointed, then, that the Chancellor has chosen to freeze duties for spirits, cider and beer, especially as there is no announcement of new funding for public health | Alcohol Concern blog, UK

Ready to vote in next week’s midterm elections? Today’s post comes from contributing editor Bob Beach, in which he explains the status of America’s shifting cannabis laws and shows what new state and federal initiatives might mean for 2018 and beyond | Points blog, USA

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